Hello, I have just finished writing up some notes to accompany some sessions I am running at a business conference in September. It was an interesting exercise of deciding which points would be valuable in writing for those attending the sessions as well as being clear enough for those not attending the sessions but reading the handbook. It reminded me that deciding on what to add and what NOT to add is a crucial part of any writing project. It is sometimes difficult to not include every detail in case the reader wants to know it all, but always ask yourself if it is necessary to met the aim of your document. Additional details can be provided later or in a different place. Remember that when you write for your business (and most other forms of writing for that matter), you are not trying to impress anyone with your knowledge or vocabulary. Planning what to say usually makes it easy to avoid trying too hard, which makes the writing and reading easier. I am heading to New Zealand in mid August for meetings with a client and their designers. As much as I am looking forward to the meetings so I can put faces to emails, I am very excited about seeing Auckland for the first time. I will have a little bit of time for sightseeing, so please let me know of your suggestions of what to see and do while I am there! Use your words wisely! Tash Tash Hughes 0428 376 110 fax 03 9445 9154 www.wordconstructions.com For all your business writing needs Using apostrophes By Tash Hughes of Word Constructions Apostrophes are one of those 'grammar things' that many people worry about, and use incorrectly. But really, they aren't that hard to understand. An apostrophe is added to show possession (e.g. the girl's bike) or missing letters (e.g. can't instead of cannot). That's it! So there are no apostrophes for decades, numbers, plural abbreviations or plural items - some correct examples are - during the 60s - she bought some CDs - find all the As - look at my photos - he is in his 90s - a list of URLs - the babies are sleeping - we will have three pizzas please. I am still looking for the modern equivalent of those Quakers who ran successful businesses, made money because they offered honest products and treated their people decently... This business creed, sadly, seems long forgotten. Anita Roddick Getting the most out of networking By Tash Hughes of Word Constructions Being part of an effective network is more than turning up and getting referrals. The best networks are where people genuinely help and support each other as well as their businesses. So to get the best out of your networks, try some of the following ideas: join into discussions and brainstorming - everyone has something to contribute and something to learn, plus you build trust in the others in your network keep an eye out of ways to stay in touch with your network. For instance, if part of your networking group are parents and you come across an article in the newspaper about parents in business, send them the article to read. Or take note of a new website or book that may interest some or all of your network if you come across a free promotional opportunity (such as free links on a website or answering a survey), consider adding someone else from your network as well if you are sure it is appropriate. Alternatively, share the lead with your network so they can do it themselves introduce new people to your network - this gives everyone more exposure and provides the opportunity for new ideas and opinions give referrals to people in your network whenever you can - even if you're sitting in a waiting room and someone is wondering how to find a web designer, cloth nappies online or personalised gifts, why not help them and the business owner in your network? mention someone from your network in your blog or newsletter provide prizes, articles, goodie bag fillers and so on to members of  your network - it helps them give more to their customers but also gets additional exposure for you For more information about networking in general, my What is Networking article may be what you need. Breast Feeding is a natural and important part of providing babies with a good start to life. Each year, Save Time Online supports Breastfeeding week with information and special deals for site visitors - including a discount from Word Constructions. If you've been waiting for a business profile, now could be the time to ask! Book review - How to get Rich By Tash Hughes of Word Constructions How to get Rich by Donald Trump Donald Trump is an in-your-face and get-down-to-business man, and his book reflects that. This isn’t a book that will lead you by the hand and show you the steps to becoming successful and rich. It is, however, full of ideas and useful information that can be used to create your own path to success. Each chapter is its own little story or tip which means that Trump covers a lot of ground with this book, giving tips on how to negotiate, how to manage your business, how to find balance and how to keep your integrity. The tips are often insightful and valuable, but a novice may need to read other books to get the understanding of many of Trump’s tips. It can be read from cover to cover, but reading it slowly, chapter by chapter, will give the book a greater impact on the reader’s life. For entrepreneurs, the book also gives a view of what life can be. It is interesting to see the blend of businessman, showman and man that makes Trump who he is, and to realise he is more approachable than he appears. As well as talking about business and repeating some of his own successes, Trump is very fair about giving praise to others. For instance, he often mentions his father’s wisdom and he thanks Oprah Winfrey for encouraging more people to read books. There are sections of the book that read like an ad for Trump Industries and the man himself, and he definitely uses his TV show to advantage in the book. And the name dropping can be somewhat tedious. Overall, the tips and easy-to-read style make the book worth reading despite the ad factor. Tips from one of the richest businessmen today. Poor examples Sometimes, the easiest way to learn the correct way to do something is to see it done poorly so in this section of my newsletter, I show you some real-life examples of writing that need a little help. example: The logo must always be placed at the top right corner of any publication. As a secondary rule, the logo should always be in the top third of the publication. A better version would be: The logo is to be placed in the top right corner of any publication. If this is not possible, it must still be in the top third of the page. {Having a rule with 'always' doesn't allow for a secondary rule - the logo ALWAYS has to be in the top right corner or it doesn't. The term 'a secondary rule' is nonsense and meaningless, and it is better to explain when the first rule can be relaxed.} You are welcome to pass this newsletter on to anyone you think will be interested, but please send it as is without changes. If you were passed this email by a friend, you can subscribe here. This newsletter is only ever sent to my clients and people who request the monthly newsletter & writing tips found at www.wordconstructions.com. Your email details will never be given, lent or sold to any party whatsoever and you are free to leave this service at any time by unsubscribing here. Important: This email (including any attachments) is intended only for the use of the addressee and may contain confidential information. If you have received this email in error, please notify the sender. Whilst Word Constructions has taken reasonable steps to ensure this email is virus free, it accepts no responsibility and makes no warranty. The recipient should take its own steps to ensure there is no virus. Word Constructions accepts no liability for any damage caused by any virus transmitted by this email.
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